First day of spring arrives: 5 things to know about the vernal equinox

The first day of spring, commonly known as the vernal equinox, is the day that officially marks the beginning of spring.

It is the point in time when the sun is exactly above the equator, which causes there to be twelve hours of darkness and twelve hours of sunshine.

Here are 5 things to know about the vernal equinox

The vernal equinox is the moment in the Earth's orbit around the sun when day and night are of equal length, marking the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.

What is the vernal equinox — and why do we have it?

The equinox officially occurs around March 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and around September 22 or 23 in the Southern Hemisphere.

When does the equinox officially occur?

No, the vernal equinox doesn't fall on the same day each year; it can occur on March 19, 20, or 21, depending on astronomical events.

Does the vernal equinox fall on the same day each year?

People try to balance eggs on this day due to a myth that the Earth's gravitational pull is weaker during the equinox, making it easier to balance objects.

Why do people try to balance eggs on this day?

People flock to Chichén Itzá on this day to witness the shadow of the serpent Kukulcan, which appears on the side of the Pyramid of Kukulcan during the equinox.

Why do people flock to Chichén Itzá on this day?

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